Derbyshire is popular with tourists and locals alike for its great beauty - from the ruggedness of the Peak District in the North, to the more gentle hills in the South of the County.

Manchester

Manchester is one of the largest urban areas in the United Kingdom and has a lot to offer.

Chinatown is a cultural treat, offering Chinese restaurants, shops and supermarkets. This visual feast is also accompanied by a variety of fascinating architecture throughout the city from the Manchester Cathedral to the Express building.

Also, the museum of Science and Industry has many great exhibitions as do the Manchester Museum and the City art gallery.

If that isn't your thing; you may hit the shops at the Manchester Arndale in central Manchester, or the highly popular Trafford Centre on the outskirts. You may also like to attend a music event at the Manchester Arena which hosts numerous big names from across the world.

This city is great for you sports lovers. Notably in Manchester football is big and with Manchester United and Manchester City just 5 miles apart, local rivalry fills the air.

No matter what you are interested in; without a doubt Manchester will have something for you.

Buxton

A much visited historical spa resort, Buxton has retained many of its grand buildings, which include the Crescent and the Pump Room. Buxton also boasts an excellent Museum and a visit to the Pavilion Gardens is highly recommended. Alternatively, you could simply take a stroll through the town, take in the sights and do a spot of shopping in one of the many Artisan shops and boutiques.

Bakewell

Bakewell is a small market town in the Derbyshire Dales which is an idyllic location for tourists. There is an impressive town centre and a popular Monday market day. Perhaps you could visit the Monal Trail for some walking, cycling or horse riding, or you could indulge into a famous Bakewell Pudding.

Bakewell is close to the stately homes of Chatsworth House and Hatton Hall.

Chatsworth House has been home to the Cavendish family since 1549. It sits alongside the River Derwent and boasts historical paintings, furniture and artefacts. The house is open to visitors from 11th March to the 23rd December offering the house, gardens, farmyard and adventure playground.

Haddon Hall dates back to the 11th Century and sits alongside the River Wye. It is currently occupied by Lord Edward Manners and his family. The house is open to visitors from April to October with a number of special events staged through the year. The house has featured in a number of film & TV productions including BBC’s Jane Eyre and the Pride & Prejudice film starring Keira Knightley.

Peak Village Outlet Shopping Centre, Rowsley

This shopping centre is a great treat. Peak Village hosts over 20 retailers, all with up to 30% off, including: Cotton Traders, Field & Trek, and The Cook Shop. With a brand list such as this; there is something for everybody. You can also catch a bite to eat with a hearty meal at the newly refurbished Massarella Restaurant. The only day which Peak Village is not open is Christmas day so there is no excuse for not visiting.

Matlock is a beautiful Derbyshire town which is great for a peaceful day out. Hall Leys Victorian Public Park runs alongside the River Derwent which can be watched from the many cafes and shops. There is also a boating lake with heaps of wildlife, a miniature railway and a children's playground.

Peak Rail

Operating between Matlock & Rowsley, Peak Rail offers you the opportunity to experience the thrill of steam on this preserved railway through the Derbyshire countryside. Offering opportunities to travel throughout the year, trains offer an on-board buffet coach and a specially adapted coach for wheelchair accommodation. For details of days of operation and timetables for the railway please contact Peak Rail

Heights of Abraham

Since first opening to visitors in 1780 the Heights of Abraham has remained one of the Peak District’s most appealing destinations where stunning natural beauty is matched by human achievement and where the historic blends seamlessly with the futuristic. Today the Heights is rightly famous for its landmark cable car which provides a spectacular journey across the Derwent Valley. At the summit people can experience a unique blend of attractions.

There are guided tours down the Great Masson Cavern where, from the glow of a single candle to the whole chamber being flooded with light, its million year history is revealed before exiting further up the hillside to enjoy the magnificent panorama from the Tinker’s Shaft viewing point. A virtual tour of the cavern is also available.

Exhibitions and films demonstrate why the Heights has been a favourite place to visit for many generations, there are also shops, play areas and numerous picnic spots to discover, and if you feel hungry the Vista Bar and Restaurant is a great place to eat, drink and enjoy stunning views in acres of beautiful woodland.

Matlock Bath sits in between the Heights of Abraham and Giddy Edge on the opposite bank. The Heights of Abraham is a former mine which is open to the public. If the weather isn't on your side you could visit the Peak District Mining Museum or the Life in a Lens Museum of Photography and Old Times.

Derby

The City of Derby, located alongside the picturesque River Derwent, has a lot to offer. It hosts many fantastic pieces of architecture such as: St Helen's House, St Mary's Church, Derby Cathedral (212 feet tall!), and Darley Abbey. Darley Abbey sits alongside a largely unchanged country park called Darley Park.

If you enjoy a bit of history then the Derby Gaol on Friar Gate Lane is a treat. This ex-prison operated from 1756 to 1846 and its cells are now open to the public. The impressive frontage of the 1843 to 1929 Vernon Street Prison is also still present. There is also the Pickford House Museum which houses paintings, local pottery, regiments and archaeology. The Derby Industrial Museum (Silk Mill) is also a reflection of the city's industrial roots.

The Markeaton Light Heritage Railway may be a fun ride for yourself or your child as it rides through the beautiful Markeaton Park or for some sporting excitement you could attend a Derby County FC football game at Pride Park Stadium.